Memo: Austin to eliminate fees at some city pools this summer

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The City of Austin is eliminating fees at some pools this summer as part of a pilot program to reduce aquatic fees and increase pool access, according to a city memo.

The Parks and Recreation Department, or PARD, moved to eliminate fees for the entire summer at Walnut Creek Pool in North Austin, according to the memo. PARD will also offer two free days during the summer at Bartholomew Pool and Garrison Pool.

Bartholomew Pool will have free entry on June 19 and July 10, and Garrison Pool will be free on June 25 and July 23.

The memo said the pilot will improve PARD's understanding of the effects fees have on pool attendance. Understanding attendance at these pools could help PARD alter or adjust safety measures.

PARD said it will track attendance throughout the summer, and at the end of the swim season will be able to report on total pool entries and the total budget impact.

PARD will provide an update to the Austin City Council on the implementation of the new directive on October 18.